In a high-risk stop involving multiple occupants, how many should be taken out of the vehicle at a time?

In high-risk stops, the best practice for safely removing occupants from a vehicle is to take them out one at a time. This approach minimizes the risk of confusion, maintains better control over the situation, and allows for more focused attention on each individual as they exit the vehicle. By processing each occupant sequentially, the officer can ensure they are properly subdued and their hands are visible, which helps in mitigating potential threats.

Taking only one person out at a time allows the officer to monitor the actions and reactions of that individual closely, ensuring they pose no danger before moving on to the next person. This strategy also serves to reduce the likelihood of the occupants becoming agitated or acting in aggression due to a chaotic environment that may result from removing multiple individuals simultaneously. Maintaining control during high-risk scenarios is essential for the safety of both the officers and the occupants involved.

In contrast, removing multiple occupants at once could lead to increased tension or the possibility of a confrontation, making the situation significantly more dangerous.